OUR STORY
1990s
In the 1990s in Moldova, life was a struggle for Nick and his family after the fall of the Soviet Union. At just fourteen-years-old he took on whatever jobs he could find - from cleaning toilets to working construction at night - all so that his parents wouldn't have to bear such a burden alone. His father resorted to alcohol as an escape while his mother had no choice but to work many long days away from home in hope of providing relief. Unfortunately, Nick's dad passed away unexpectedly before she returned due to complications surrounding an ulcer that could have been prevented with medical assistance they simply couldn’t afford. That led Nick, an only child, with no support systems available, down a dark path where stealing became commonplace just to meet basic needs. Like other young men in his part of the world, Nick had nothing to look forward to. He had no understanding of the value of life.
1995
Nick never could have imagined his life taking a dramatic turn when his cousin invited him to join an amateur basketball team in 1995. Although he'd never played the game before, it quickly became his passion. Most of those on the court were members of Kishinev Bible Church pastored by Ronald Helton. So when Texas coaches Tony Salas and Fred Currie came to organize a gospel-focused sports camp that summer Nick was all ears. Through their encouragement and example, Nick recognized his need for a Savior and gave his life to Christ. The Lord gave purpose to his life – to serve Him and His people, leading Nick into a new way of life.
1998
In 1998, Nick's life changed forever when he stumbled upon the impactful testimony of NBA legend David Robinson. Inspired by what he read and wanting to spread this message further, Nick translated it into Russian and began distributing it. This ultimately resulted in the creation of "The Race" - an evangelical sports ministry at Kishinev Bible Church. One day shortly thereafter, Nick and a friend gathered together to pray (in a closet no less!) for the opportunity to meet "The Admiral" himself - David Robinson in the flesh. Unsure of where that prayer would end up, they trusted it in God's hands.
2001
Then, in 2001, with the support of Pete & Joyce Velasquez of Moldova Bible Seminary, Nick got to travel to the US with the goal of meeting Coach Don Eddy. Nick wanted to learn about his basketball camps and discover how to grow an evangelistic ministry in Moldova. He received that and more, gaining a father figure in Don very quickly. When Nick returned, he joined the staff of Cru in 2002 and his mission to bring God's influence into the lives of others expanded to include adults in the professional and semi-professional arena.
Around this time, Nick's future wife Uliana was experiencing her own difficult journey. The Soviet Union's collapse impacted everyone, including her larger family of 6. In 2000, Uliana's father traveled to Russia in search of work and tragically died in a car accident. His death prompted Uliana to wrestle through many questions, including her own identity. But in 2001, through the help of the local Evangelical church she developed a relationship with Jesus Christ and discovered her identity in Him. God had given Uliana a love of sports and skill at volleyball in particular. After graduating from high school, she received a scholarship to study at the Academy of Economic Science in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. It was here, at an Athletes in Action sports conference in 2003, that Nick and Uliana met among the participants. Within a year they were married!
2005
It wasn't until 2005, while attending a bible study in San Antonio on some travels, that God answered Nick's "closet prayer." Nick met basketball legend David Robinson and was able to tell him about the influence he had had on his life and basketball program. Though David was unable to travel back to Moldova as requested, their friendship blossomed over time. While he appreciated the newfound friendship, Nick was left wondering - why did God answer my prayer?
Nick's passion for sports led him to join the ministry of SportQuest in 2008. He readily rose through its ranks, taking on leadership positions within the International Sports Coalition. But it was here that God revealed a greater mission - the vision of establishing a Basketball Academy!
2011
In 2011, Nick presented the basketball academy idea to David and asked if he could use his nickname, "The Admiral," for the organization's name - but received a 'no'. However one year later when the ministry has taken more form David felt compelled to ask Nick "How can I help this organization?" Without hesitation Nick responded: allow us to name the program 'The Admirals Basketball Program.' This time the answer was a resounding YES!
2013
In 2013, The Admiral's Basketball Academy was born and co-founded with Darryl Lyons and J.K. Leonard of San Antonio, TX. The ABA adopted David Robinson's spiritual disciplines from his testimony as their foundational principles. Soon God brought young people from all corners of Moldova and Eurasia together on basketball courts with a common purpose: learning not only how to win at basketball but also what winning looks like when we follow Jesus Christ! Now many alums serve alongside Nick & Uliana making an eternal impact through Admirals Basketball Academy!
Today, Nick and Uliana live in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau. They have five children: Nick (16), Anastasia (14), Elizabeth (5), Eva (3) and Jacob - their newborn!